One of the first bills the Senate considered during its Tuesday morning session would outlaw texting while driving. Senator Nancy Detert, (R-Venice) is sponsoring the bill for the fourth year in a row.
“So for the fourth year in a row I’m standing here to offer you the opportunity to make texting while driving against the law in the state of Florida. Last year when I stood here we were one of only six states that had nothing on the books. This year we’re one of only five states. So, I hope this year is our year and I think it is," Detert said.
Deter’s bill would make texting while driving a secondary offense, meaning someone would have to be pulled over for another traffic violation before getting ticketed for texting. Using GPS or dialing a phone would still be okay. Deter said the measure is supported by law enforcement officials, phone companies and the general public. And added she thinks she’s got support in the Florida House, as well.
“After four years, the Speaker of the House has allowed the House to have a voice on this issue when it was never heard in committee up until this year,” Detert said.
The Senate passed the measure unanimously and sent it immediately to the House.
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